The Tiger Saga.

Well, its been a whirlwind of a week for Tiger Woods and the world of golf. Tiger fessed up to his short comings and will hopefully patch things up soon. If you know golf, you know how valuable Tiger Woods has been to the game and I think that his comeback to the golf course will probably be one of the biggest stories in golf, if not the biggest in all sports. Once Tiger has this behind him and is back on the course, the worldwide attention created by these recent events will fuel an even larger following for the game. Can't wait to see him back in action on the golf course and hope that will be sooner than later.

I do not condone Tiger's "transgressions", but recognize his great talent as a golfer.

What do you think?? Join my blog and add your comments.

Breaking News: Edwin-T Golf Inc. receives award.

Breaking News.
Edwin-T Golf Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Golf equipment category by the Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA). Read the press release here. Press release link.

A worldwide phenomenon.

Golf is becoming a more global sport. These last few weeks, the world's best, Tiger Woods was in Asia and Australia. Statistics show that golf is becoming increasingly popular in India, China and other parts of Asia with as much as a 40% increase in the number of golfers in the last few years. The inauguration of the game into the 2016 Olympics is also adding a buzz about golf all over the world. Hopefully,this leads to the discovery of new talent in places that otherwise would not have been expected.
The other day I was watching a TV show on which one of the contestants said that he played golf in his spare time. I thought to myself, wow....I hope I don't sound that pompous when I tell people I play golf. Golf remains a relatively expensive sport to play on a regular basis. As someone fully involved with the industry, my hope is that golf will one day become as mainstream as football or basketball. Tough call, but then again things that seemed to be fiction 10 to 15 years ago, are now part of our everyday living that we now actually take for granted. Possibilities!!

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What's next in golf technology?

Golf balls keep going farther and farther, drivers keep on advancing, irons hit the ball higher and straighter, but the average golf score has remained about the same for the last 100 years or so. This begs the question, are we working on the right aspects of the game? Is improvement in equipment contributing in anyway whatsoever to improvement in the game. Perhaps the improvement of the average golf score is an evolution of sorts, a process that takes hundreds of years to show results.

I personally believe that technology in equipment does help the game of golf overall. It makes it more enjoyable, and easier to play for the average golfer. My first driver, when I was about 10 years old, had a steel shaft, and was made of wood. When I hit a shot off the toe with that club, there was no chance of getting the ball airborne. Nowadays, drivers are more forgiving and you can actually hit a very decent shot off the toe, which will fly straight and even got about the same distance( a.k.a "the technology shot"). You don't have to be as perfect and because of that, the game is more enjoyable.

Some may argue that the average golf score has not improved in 100 years because golf courses are becoming tougher. I beg to differ. My assessment of older golf courses is that although they were shorter, they often had smaller greens and tighter fairways, making precision a requirement for a good score.

Technology will always advance and I will always support that. Every year, manufacturers will come out with new and improved golf equipment and golf balls that defy the boundaries set by engineering and technical challenges of the previous year. I just wonder.... what kind of technology will finally reduce the average golfer's score!

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Golfers' Consumer Confidence still level.

A report by the National Golf Foundation shows that golfers' consumer confidence was level for the month of September. The report also indicates that we're not yet in the clear.

Click here to see the report.

Booming drives...a gift, or the fruits of ones labor??

There's nothing quite like it, that feeling of a compressed golf ball on the club face of a driver at the point of impact, followed by the simultaneous sound of the club echoing off the branches of nearby trees, an finally, the perfect balanced finish. It all happens in less than two seconds, but the memory is strong enough to make this feeling last a very long time. Its what brings us back to the golf course, even after a less than stellar round. But why do some people hit the ball farther than others. Is it one's God given talent, or something that can be acquired through practice. I happen to believe it's both. Of course, its not always that simple, there are many variables that come into play. What I think is that every player has a maximum distance threshold, and has the ability to reach that threshold consistently. If a player is consistently hitting 220yrd drives, he/she may be able to add another 10-15 yards through practice.

Post your comments to let us know how you were able to gain optimal distance. It could be by using the latest driver, stretching exercises, or tips from your PGA professional, whatever made it click for you.

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The best golf course I ever played.

Tell us about the best course you ever played and how we can get there. My personal best is the TPC Scottsdale, in Scottsdale AZ. The whole experience was amazing because I was among great company and it was beyond exhilarating to play the same golf course on which the FBR Open is played. TPC Scottsdale is located in Scottsdale Arizona and is open year round. You can sometimes get discounted rates in the summer time. It can be hot in the summer, but its well worth it, especially when you make a birdies on the same holes the pros play.

What's your favorite golf course and how can we find it? Do they have a website, and tell us how we can find them, wherever they are in the world.

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Choosing a golf ball.

Many weekend warriors with whom I have had the pleasure to play with over the years seem not to care what kind of golf ball they play. It could be a hard, 2 layer ball on one hole, and a soft 4 layer one on the next. Since weekend warriors are out for the fun of the game, there's nothing wrong with that. However, being consistent with the brand and type of ball you use throughout the round may shave a few strokes off your game. Here are a few facts about golf balls.

The best golf balls usually have a urethane cover, and are constructed with 3 or more layers. Having more layers in a golf ball allows it to perform at levels that are as close to the best of both worlds as possible. In other words, soft golf balls don't go as far as hard ones, simply because more energy is dissipated at impact with a soft ball than a hard one. On the other hand, hard golf balls explode off the face of the club at the faster rate, making it more difficult to control them. As a result of the rate at which harder golf balls leave the club face, it is also more difficult to impart backspin at impact, which explains why they don't check up much on the greens. However, with the marvels of science and technology, manufacturers combine different layers in an individual golf ball so that it has the control of soft ball, and the distance of a hard one.

Manufacturers understand that the weekend warrior doesn't necessarily want to spend
$50 on a dozen of golf balls, so you can also find very good golf balls in the $20/dozen range. The main distinction is that they don't give as much control as the more expensive ones, especially around the greens. They will most likely have a surlyn cover, which is a harder material than urethane, and are made up of two layers, sometimes three. These are what most average golfers tend to prefer and usually get the job done quite well.

Whether you spend $50 or $10 on a dozen of golf balls, try to play the entire round with the same type of golf ball. You will find that it will help you to stay consistent throughout the round, especially around the greens. One more thing to note is that if your swing speed with a driver exceeds 90+ mph, you will most likely benefit from the control of a softer golf ball. On the other hand if you swing slower than 90 mph, a harder ball will help you gain more yardage.

The thing to remember is it all depends what makes you enjoy the game more. Spending more on golf balls will not necessarily buy you a better game, but will probably improve some aspects of your game, especially around the greens.

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Golf Business News

Callaway Golf 2009 Q3 results.

Click here to see the results.

Golf Club Specifications- The Grip.

The golf club grip is synonymous to the stirring wheel of your high power sports car. It is your physical connection with the machine, which you use to control your shots or maneuver the ball. There are also some aspects of the grip that will help you play better.



1. Condition of Grip
My best ball striking rounds are usually right after I switch the grips on my clubs. The newer the grips, the more traction they have, hence, the less tension you will have in your wrists and shoulders. I always notice that with new grips, I feel more in control of the club, it actually feels like an extension of my arms.
Some tour players change grips every month, I've even heard of some who will change them every week. However, for the average golfer, 2-4 times a year will likely serve you well, depending on how often you play. Obviously, if you take your clubs out of the garage once every 3 months, there is no need to change grips that often.

2. Size of Grip
Some of us have skinny fingers, some short, others fat, long and any other size description out there. Golf grips can be customized to 1/32" depending on the size of your fingers. Most golf retailers will have a grip fitting tool, which will determine what size will work best for you. Believe me, it can make a huge difference. You may need to pay a little extra, but it will be worth it.

3. Rib or no Rib?
A rib is a protrusion that is placed on the back of the grip. The purpose of the rib is to provide a point of reference for your fingers so that you grip the club exactly the same each time. Many club manufactures use ribbed grips because they make it easier for the average golfer who does not get much practice. However, some people prefer grips without a rib, or "round" grips instead, because the rib feels too different for them. It is important to note that both ribbed and round grips are USGA compliant.

4. Type of grip.
There are so many types of grips out there. Some are soft, others firm, some are rubber, others synthetic and high tech. Others have cords for more traction, and others resemble the old fashioned leather wrap used in early golf clubs. The most important aspect of choosing the type of grip is how it feels to you. If it feels great to you, then it will most likely contribute to your successful shot execution. However, like everything else in life, there is always a trade off. Softer feeling grips tend to lose their traction much faster than firmer ones. On the other hand, firmer grips do not feel as good softer ones. Most club manufactures use a "velvet style" grip, which is the best of both worlds. It feels as soft as it can be, while maintaining durability. However, companies like Winn and Golf Pride continue to create innovative compositions. Again, most golf retailers with a repair shop or custom club shop will have a plethora of grips from which to choose.

Brought to you by EMBARK GOLF.

Golf club Specifications.

The shaft.

In continuation of our series on the anatomy of a golf club, this post examines the shaft. In comparison to a sports car, a shaft is the engine that drives the vehicle, transferring power to club head. Shaft technology has come a long way. The earliest shafts made a few centuries ago were fabricated out of hickory wood. The twentieth century brought steel and graphite shafts. At present, shaft manufactures use sophisticated techniques such as nanotechnology to fine tune shafts at a molecular level. For the average golfer, it will be helpful to understand a few details about the type of shafts.

1. Material
Shafts are primarily made of two materials, steel and graphite. Steel shafts are mostly found in irons. Graphite however, can be found in both irons and woods. Typical steel shafts weigh much more than graphite. In recent years however, shaft technology has become so advanced that one can find some very lightweight steel shafts. It is important to note that the best players in the world tend to prefer the same steel shafts that were popular two decades ago in their irons, but will update to the latest graphite shafts in their drivers and woods every season.

For the average golfer, it all depends what kind of feel you are looking for, and more importantly, what executes the best shots for you. Try the same demo irons with both steel and graphite and see what works.

2. Flex

The flex of a shaft is a measure of how stiff or flexible it is. You will find flex in both steel and graphite shaft. The higher the swing speed of the player, the stiffer the shaft should be. The most flexible shafts are in the Ladies' of L-flex, followed by senior or A-Flex, then Regular or R-Flex, Stiff or S-flex, and X or Extra stiff- flex. Different manufacturers will have different terms for the flex description, but most will use the description above. Your club professional or golf store representative can tell you which flex is best for you, depending on the speed and tempo of your swing. Many ladies swing a shaft stiffer than a ladies' flex and many seniors swing regular, stiff or even x-flex, so its not always as simple a name.

3. Bend Point

This is a more advanced feature for those players looking for everything to optimize their game. Bend point is the point at which the shaft bends the most when fully loaded. The position of the bend point determines the trajectory of the ball. A shaft with a high bend point typically produces a lower piercing trajectory. A mid bend point produces a medium trajectory and a low bend point produces a high trajectory (its an inverse relationship). If you are willing to shell out a few more dollars, there are fitting programs out there that will find the right shaft for the trajectory you need. They use a computer program to get numbers ranging from the spin rate of the ball when you hit it, to the speed of the golf ball, to the launch angle and find the shaft that best works based on all those numbers combined.

For the average golfer however, a swing speed check and details about the trajectory you are looking for will work. Most golfers look to hit it higher and straighter and manufacturers know that.

With that said, most clubs are designed to work for the vast majority of golfers in any particular handicap category, so a stock shaft will usually work just fine as long as you choose the right material, and the right flex for your swing.

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Golf Club Specifications

Some of you may be wondering what makes up a golf club. What distinguishes one from the other? In the next few days I will create a series of posts to help those seeking to understand more about the "golf club", especially irons. Today, we will start with the "head".

In comparison to the design of a sports car, the head of a golf club performs the same purpose as the body of the vehicle. It gives it character, and identity from an aesthetic point of view, while it works in conjunction with the engine to make the vehicle perform at its desired level. The head of a golf club (in this case an iron),has different parts which I will begin to discuss in detail.

1. The face: this is the part of the club that comes in contact with the ball upon impact.

2. The hosel: This is that part of the club in which the shaft is inserted. We will discuss the shaft in tomorrow's entry.

3. The loft angle: This is the angle at which the club rests with the shaft in its desired upright position. Longer clubs have lower lofts than shorter ones. For example, a two iron may have a loft of 17 degrees, while a wedge may have a loft of 48 degrees. The higher the loft, the easier it is to hit the ball.

4. The bounce angle: The bounce angle is the angle between the leading edge of the club, and the point at which the club first touches the ground. Bounce is very important when choosing wedges. Too little bounce can cause the club to stick in the grass or sand, and too much bounce will result in sculled shots and other problems. Wedge bounces range from as little as 1 degree to about 14 degrees. Ask you PGA professional or club retailer what wedge bounce works for the conditions you play in.

5. Offset: The distance from the center line of the hosel to the leading edge of the club. The more offset a club has, the easier it is to hit. Most golf swings have a tempo between 1 and 1.6 seconds, meaning it takes the player that much time to take the club back from the point of address, to the point of impact. As you can tell, a fraction of an inch in the offset of a club will make all the difference is getting the club squared up.

6. The lie angle: The angle formed between the shaft and the ground when the bottom of the club head is on the ground. Lie is very important in fitting. Too flat a lie can lead to shots missed right. If the club is too upright, the club tends to turn over too fast and result is pulled or hooked shots. Most irons can be bent to the desires lie. Forged clubs are especially easy to adjust because they are softer and more malleable than most cast clubs.

There are other properties such as materials used, and process by which these materials are made into club heads but that's a whole new chapter we can discuss another time.

That concludes our look at the club head, the body of the club. Our next entry will discuss the shaft, the engine of the club.

Golf and Music.

Ever wondered if there was a place for music on the golf course? By nature, golf is a quiet sport when compared to most other high energy, high adrenaline sport. In most other sports, music can help the athlete perform better, but that is not always the case in golf. For the most part,golfers perform better in quiet surroundings or a very even, low decibel levels. However, there is a place for music in golf as I found out last summer,..... on the range.

I decided one day that I was bored with continuously pounding shot after shot on the range and wanted to add a little excitement to time on the range. I took an I-pod with me and played song after song as I pounded shot after shot. The next day, I had what I would call one of the best ball-striking rounds of golf of my life.

Having music on the range helps reduce tension. It helped me zone in during the practice session. It was me, the golf ball, the club and my music,... nothing else. I also did not focus on swing thoughts, but just one specific feel during the downswing.

Music helped me improve my game, maybe it may do the same for you.

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Golf and the recession.

I recently came across an article complied by a PHD for the National Golf Foundation. It compared the number of golf balls and golf clubs shipped before, during and after the recessions in the past. This article was very concise, using graphs to explain the findings.

The report concluded that while golf is not completely unaffected by a recession, it is usually one of the last industries to be affected on the downside, and one of the first to recover at the end of a recession. To get more information, copy and paste the link below to see the article/ presentation.

http://www.cmaa.org/uploadedFiles/For_Members/Economy/Golf%20Business%20During%20Recession.pdf

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Tips on buying golf clubs.

With the 2009 season coming to an end, many golfers will be looking to get new golf clubs over the holiday season. Here are a few reminder tips to get the best value out your equipment buying experience.


1. Forgiveness is a blessing.
For most golfers, irons with more forgiveness lead to a better game. A larger hitting area, equals a larger "sweet spot", and a lower center of gravity equals a higher launch angle.

2. Get fitted.
With today's influx of technology, it will always be beneficial for a player to get fitted before purchasing a new set. Many golf retailers will do this free of charge. For more advanced fitting, you may incur a charge. However, the average golfer stands to benefit tremendously from most free sitting programs offered at local retailers.

3. Try it before you buy it.
A golf swing is like a set of fingerprints, no two swings are ever alike. Your buddy's set of expensive clubs may not necessarily be the best fit for you. Find a retailer that will let you take out a demo club or set, and hit a few on the range. You may be surprised that the big expensive brands aren't always the best way to go for you.

4. Grip it right, not tight.
The grip is the only physical connection you have with the club during the golf swing. This makes it a very important part of the fitting process. A grip that's too small will often lead to excessive tension in the wrists, which leads to all sorts of problems. A grip that's too small will often result in an open club face at impact. Grips can be fitted to 1/32" (on thirty second of an inch) and many retailers can either order them adjusted that way, or make the adjustment in house. Additional charges may or may not apply.

5.Practice makes perfect.
You will always need to get a little used to a new set of clubs after buying it. The human body is an amazing memory machine. It will take a little bit of time for you to work out the minute, intricate muscle memory details that you unconsciously stored with your last set of clubs. The more you play and practice with your new clubs, the more they will feel familiar.

FYI: The USGA has extended the V-Groove rule to 2014 for amateurs. Unless you want to play what the pros play,or qualify for the U.S. Open, you will not need V-Grooves in 2010.

A little about V-Grooves.
V-grooves impart less backspin on the ball than square ones, making it difficult to stop the ball on the greens from the rough. Most irons you will find in stores to date are made with square grooves for this reason.

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http://www.edwintgolf.com/ptirons.html